Gordon Strachan preparing for long-haul if Scotland qualify for 2018 World Cup

Gordon Strachan could still be Scotland manager in 2020 if his players qualify for the World Cup finals in Russia. The Scots must beat Slovakia and Slovenia and negotiate the play-offs to book a place in next summer’s tournament climax and, although Strachan would not be drawn on specifics, he hinted strongly that he could have another campaign in him if the current process is successful. “It all depends on a lot of things but I’d rather give that a body swerve just now so I can really enjoy what’s coming up,” he said. “It’s going to be just a fantastic, fantastic occasion. It’s one of these things where you go, ‘Right, I’m looking forward to that’. “The excitement has started already. Once I flew up here this morning to name the squad and you get ready to go, it really is exciting. “To be able to take them, the players, the staff and all the rest would be just fantastic. But you know how hard this is going to be. The two hurdles are very hard.” Strachan made his comments after announcing a 26-man squad for the double header against Slovakia, at Hampden Park on October 5 and Slovenia in Ljublijana three days later. One notable return was that of Liam Cooper, whose contribution to the Leeds United central defence has helped the Elland Road side top the Championship in England with only a single defeat in nine outings. Scotland face a stiff task to make it to the 2018 World Cup Credit: pa “He's playing well in a winning side,” Strachan said. “He's a big influence, he's captain there now and that's big progress for Leeds and himself. I probably should have had him in the last squad to be honest so I made sure I didn't make the same mistake again.” Also back in the reckoning are Stoke City’s Darren Fletcher and his Sheffield Wednesday namesake, Steven, as well as the Millwall goalkeeper, Jordan Archer. Russell Martin and Steven Naismith were omitted because they have not been starting at Norwich City. “They would like to be included but at the moment they know, and I know, that not being in the Norwich squad is not conducive to what they normally bring to our squad. We will miss them in terms of professionalism and enthusiasm but we have to weigh that up with taking guys away for eight days. “I spoke to them and they're in agreement with me that's it's probably best, but they want to be on call, they'll be ready in case they are needed.” Craig Gordon’s next appearance will see him into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame with 50 caps. The Celtic goalkeeper’s attitude was praised by the manager. “He didn’t have a club at one point and Jim Stewart (Scotland goalkeeping coach) was bringing him just to come along and have a game. “Players determine where they are going. I keep hearing about this ‘pathway’ for kids. Make your own pathway. He dealt with that and has been fantastic. I mean fantastic.” Strachan was full of praise for Scott Brown Credit: getty images Another Celtic player who has commanded headlines lately is Scott Brown, who was confronted by the Rangers manager, Pedro Caixinha, at half-time in Saturday’s Old Firm derby, an incident that only served to prompt the Hoops captain to fresh endeavours in the champions’ 2-0 victory. Strachan revealed that Brown’s famous stare was a feature of almost every dressing room exchange between himself and the player. “He has no reaction to whatever you say to him. I remember saying, ‘I think we should get a doctor to see him.’ He just kept staring at me!” Strachan said. “Doesn’t matter if you were calling him the best player in the world or the worst player in the world his expression would stay the same. It’s a bit off-putting at times. “He’s figured out what he’s good at and other coaches have helped him and he’s taken it on board. Through the years he’s picked up information, kept it in his head and got better. “I see more professionalism off the park. He realises now he’s a role model to everyone being the captain of Celtic and Scotland.”